Dudley Zoo Continues To Help Grand Panto Be A Roaring Success

Today, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Dudley Zoological Gardens announced a continuation to a partnership that sees two family-friendly attractions unite - the popular 80 year-old zoo and the annual family pantomime - a tradition that spans over 120 years at the theatre.

Dudley Zoological Gardens have extended their sponsorship of Grand Theatre pantomime for a further two years, making them the local partner until at least 2019/20 season. The Grand Theatre pantomime attracts thousands of families to Wolverhampton each year, as does a collection of the world's rarest animals who find their home in the grounds of an 11th Century castle at Dudley Zoological Gardens.

Earlier this year, DZG attended the Grand Theatre pantomime launch with Otis the Giant Rabbit - who for the first time in his life felt dwarfed, by the pantomime giant! He made very good friends with Mother Nature herself, Lisa Riley.

Grand Theatre Associate Director of Development & Communications Vicky Price said: "We're absolutely thrilled that Dudley Zoological Gardens will continue to collaborate with us for the next two years of Pantomime. Both venues provide magical experiences for children and their families and together we can continue to promote this wonderful offering in Wolverhampton and The Black Country "

DZG Marketing Manager Andrea Hales said: "We're delighted to be continuing our partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for the next two Christmas seasons. The magic of pantomime always delivers great fun for all the family and we're excited to be involved once again."

Visit Dudley Zoo's Winter Wonderland from 1 December until Christmas Eve and see Santa in his grotto set within the walls of 11th century Dudley Castle, before stopping off to greet his reindeer in the courtyard. Zoo admission is included in the special festive package, so you can also visit your favourite exotic species and find out what they're up to this Christmas time.

This year's GIANT pantomime JACK AND THE BEANSTALK opens on Saturday 9 December 2017 at the Grand Theatre and runs until Sunday 14 January 2018 - starring Gareth Gates, Lisa Riley, Doreen Tipton, Graham Cole, Ian Adams, Adam C Booth, Sarah Vaughan and Julie Paton. Standard tickets from £19.00*

*A £3 booking fee applies to all transactions.